Naman Shrivastava, known online as EnglishAugust, has emerged as one of India’s most influential mentors in the UPSC preparation space. His work spans digital education, community-building and entrepreneurship, positioning him as a trusted figure for aspirants navigating one of the country’s most challenging examinations.
As of now, his YouTube channel is approaching a million subscribers, reflecting the reach of his teaching style and the demand for accessible governance-related content.
Shrivastava’s journey into this role began with his own personal struggle in the UPSC system. Having faced multiple attempts without selection, he experienced first-hand the uncertainty, pressure and emotional toll that define the exam cycle for lakhs of candidates every year. Instead of stepping away from the field, he used these setbacks to shape a different path.
He launched MisFits, a coaching platform he designed to address both learning and mental health gaps in traditional preparation environments. The platform offers structured courses, community spaces and a focus on well-being that many aspirants say is often missing in mainstream coaching ecosystems.
His EnglishAugust brand has grown steadily by presenting UPSC strategy, governance topics and bureaucratic concepts in a clear, practical and relatable manner.
On YouTube, his long-form videos break down complex issues from policy frameworks to exam paper patterns, making them easier for students to understand and revisit.
His approach also incorporates personal reflections, allowing aspirants to connect academic preparation with real challenges such as self-doubt, burnout and time management.
This combination has helped position his channel as more than just an academic resource; for many aspirants, it has become an online support system.
On Instagram, Shrivastava complements this with short-form content, including reminders, daily motivation and discussions about dealing with pressure during preparation.
With over 500K followers, the platform acts as a more informal space where he interacts with the community, answers questions and shares regular study insights.
The continuous engagement has contributed to a sense of belonging among aspirants who often study in isolation or away from major coaching hubs.
As CEO of MisFits, Shrivastava has taken his mentorship further by integrating peer learning into the structure of the platform.
Aspirants are placed in discussion groups, offered guidance through curated study plans and given the opportunity to connect with mentors who understand the pace and expectations of UPSC preparation.
Alumni frequently point to the mental-health focus, something Shrivastava emphasizes as a core reason behind their sustained motivation and exam readiness.
Beyond test preparation, Shrivastava has also articulated a broader vision: modernizing and diversifying India’s competitive exam coaching landscape. By blending digital tools, community-building and accessible educational formats.
He aims to shift coaching away from rigid, high-pressure systems and toward more supportive and realistic learning environments.
His transparency about failure and persistence has resonated with younger aspirants, who see his journey as a reminder that setbacks do not end the road to public-service ambitions.
As the demand for governance-related content and UPSC support continues to grow, Naman Shrivastava’s work across MisFits, YouTube and Instagram has positioned him as a significant voice in the digital education ecosystem.
His continued focus on clarity, mental well-being and community guidance reflects an evolving approach to one of India’s most competitive fields, one that seeks to inform, prepare and support aspirants through every stage of the exam journey.
